Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation - A minimally invasive treatment for chronic knee pain before and after knee arthroplasty.

• Applicant: Dr. Jonathan van Dieken
• Subject Area: Radiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 572590040

The project aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with unresponsive chronic knee pain undergoing radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves. We will divide the project into two parts: Part One: We will enhance imaging guidance by using retrospective data to develop an algorithm for image translation from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) to artificial radiographs, based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The genicular nerves can then be located through prior localization on MRI. The standard fluoroscopically-guided technique is only based on anatomical landmarks. Part Two: Procedure- and patient-related variables will be retrospectively analyzed in order to identify predictors of good treatment response. This will allow the future identification of patients who may benefit from the technique. Also, we will evaluate if enhanced imaging guidance improves the treatment outcome.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Dr. Ron W. Mercer